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Letter in Support of Senate Bill 613 |
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The Honorable Brian E. Frosh, Chairman Judicial Proceedings Committee 2 East Miller Senate Building Re:
Support for Senate Bill 613 –
Vehicle Laws – Manufacturers, Distributors and Factory Branches – Dealer
Claims Dear Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit education and advocacy organization that promotes equity and fairness in the consumer marketplace. We support the enactment of Senate Bill 613 – Vehicle Laws – Manufacturers, Distributors and Factory Branches – Dealer Claims. SB 613 shortens the time period during which manufacturers can conduct warranty audits of dealers for paperwork technicalities and procedural issues. It requires manufacturers to pay for legitimate warranty repairs as long as the customer receives the benefit. It also limits the amount of time a manufacturer can charge back sales incentives to the dealer. This legislation will benefit consumers by allowing dealers to fully honor warranty repairs and to pass along sales incentives to consumers without the concern that the manufacturer will charge back the warranty repair or sales incentive to the dealer many months or years later. Consumers are the ultimate losers if manufacturers use audits to pressure dealers into not honoring warranty claims and if dealers are reluctant to pass along sales incentives. For these reasons, the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition urges you to give SB 613 a favorable report. Very truly yours, Cheryl L. Hystad Executive Director |
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